A 3-1-2 presses naturally against a team with two centre-backs: one striker each. The single midfielder screens their central midfielder, and when the ball goes wide, a wide defender jumps out to press. With three at the back, there's still cover behind.
Step 1 of 4
They play out. One striker on each centre-back's inside shoulder; our midfielder screens theirs.
Drawn for 7v7 3-1-2. Pick your own format and shape and every step is redrawn for your players. Then present it or send it to your team.
Step by step
They play out. One striker on each centre-back's inside shoulder; our midfielder screens theirs.
Trigger: pass to the left centre-back. Our striker curves to show it wide; the other blocks the switch.
Ball goes wide. Our left defender jumps out; the midfielder blocks the pass inside.
Won it by the touchline. Straight into the strikers.
When to use it
Against teams playing out with two centre-backs. If they drop a midfielder in to make three, the strikers press the outside two and the midfielder steps up.
Coaching points
Each striker starts on the inside shoulder of a centre-back, blocking the pass into the middle.
Trigger: the keeper passes to a centre-back. That striker presses with a curved run.
The other striker drops in line with their midfielder to block the switch.
The midfielder marks their central midfielder tight.
When the ball goes wide, the wide defender on that side jumps out.
With younger players
Check your league's retreat line rules first: many 7v7 formats don't allow pressing goal kicks until the ball is played. Keep the rules simple and press in short spells.
Who does what
Position
Their job
Strikers
One presses, one blocks the switch. Swap roles depending on the ball.
Midfielder
Screens their midfielder so nothing goes through the middle.
Wide defenders
Jump out to their wide players when the ball goes there.
Middle defender
Marks their striker; organises.
When they change it
If they…
You…
They play long to their striker
Middle defender attacks the header, the midfielder wins the second ball.
They use the keeper to switch
The far striker presses the keeper's pass.
Their midfielder drops in
Our midfielder follows up; the strikers press the wide centre-backs.
Common mistakes
Both strikers pressing the same player.
The midfielder joining the press and leaving the middle open.
Wide defenders jumping too early, before the ball is played.
At 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11
7v7
The board: 7v7 3-1-2 against two centre-backs.
9v9
At 9v9, a 3-3-2 presses with the same two strikers.
11v11
At 11v11, a 3-5-2 or 4-4-2 with two strikers presses this way.
Against two centre-backs, yes: the strikers match them, and three defenders cover behind.
What does the second striker do?
Blocks the switch to the other centre-back, so the ball can only go wide.
Should we press from goal kicks?
Only if your league's rules allow it (many younger formats use a retreat line) and only as a team. A goal kick is a good trigger because everyone can get set before the ball is played.
